When to Use Urgent Care vs. ER Services: A Handy Reference Guide for Southport, CT, Locals

Google can be a great resource when you’re feeling under the weather and trying to self-diagnose your symptoms. But when your sickness or injury takes a turn for the worse, and you need medical attention stat, it’s not always clear whether you should go to the emergency room or an urgent care center. This guide will help locals of Southport, Fairfield, CT, make that decision by outlining some of the most common types of injuries and illnesses treated at each facility.

The Beautiful Town Of Southport, CT

Southport is a town in the state of Connecticut. It is located in the southwestern part of the state and is bordered by the cities of Bridgeport and New Haven. Based on a 2020 census, the town has nearly 2,000 people and is home to various businesses and organizations. DOCS Urgent Care & Primary Care Fairfield is one of the businesses located in Southport. The urgent care center is open seven days a week and provides various services to patients.

If you are feeling ill or have been injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. However, going to an emergency room or an urgent care center can be confusing. To understand further, let’s go over the basics between the two.

Urgent Care vs. ER: The Basics

The main difference between urgent care and emergency room services is the severity of the condition being treated. Urgent care centers provide treatment for less serious illnesses and injuries that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening. On the other hand, emergency rooms are equipped to handle more serious health issues that could result in death if not treated immediately.

With that said, some medical conditions can be treated at either an urgent care center or the ER. For these situations, it’s often a matter of personal preference or convenience as to which type of facility you visit. However, there are certain times when visiting the ER is necessary, such as when you experience a heart attack or stroke, have a severe allergic reaction, or require stitches for a deep cut.

Common Types of Injuries and Illnesses Treated at Urgent Care Centers

Urgent care centers are designed to provide care for patients with non-life-threatening conditions. If you are not experiencing a medical emergency, you can go to an urgent care center for treatment. Some of the conditions that are commonly treated at urgent care centers include (but are not limited to): 

  • Minor cuts and burns 
  • Sprains and strains 
  • Ear infections 
  • Fever 
  • Cough, cold, and flu symptoms 
  • Sore throat 
  • Urinary tract infections 
  • Nausea and vomiting 

Common Types of Injuries and Illnesses Treated at Emergency Rooms

The emergency room is designed to provide care for patients with life-threatening conditions. They are also equipped to handle more serious health concerns that could result in death if not treated immediately. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Some of the conditions that are considered medical emergencies include:

 

  • Severe burns 
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Severe allergic reactions 
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stroke symptoms
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Head injury with loss of consciousness,
  • Traumatic injury

 

If you are feeling ill or have been injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. However, it is not always clear whether you should go to the emergency room or an urgent care center. This guide will help you make that.

The Only Urgent Care Clinic Southport, CT, Residents Can Trust

If you require urgent care services in Southport, CT, look no further than DOCS Urgent Care & Primary Care Fairfield. Our team of board-certified providers is equipped to handle a wide variety of non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses and can provide the prompt, quality care you need to feel better fast. Plus, we offer extended hours seven days a week and accept most major insurance plans. No appointment is necessary – just walk right in.

For more information about our urgent care services or to speak with a member of our team, contact DOCS Urgent Care & Primary Care Fairfield today. We look forward to serving you!

Conclusion

Being sick or injured is never fun, but knowing where to go for treatment can help make the experience a little less daunting—and potentially save your life. We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding the difference between urgent care and emergency room services and when you should use each type of facility. And remember, if you’re ever unsure about whether your condition warrants a trip to the ER or not, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical help just to be safe!

Notice

During this surge in COVID-19 cases, our primary focus is meeting the high demand for tests, and we are seeing higher than usual wait times. This means we are unable to answer most phone calls. Please know that our teams are working very hard during this time to care for as many patients as safely as possible. Please click the button below for answers to common questions. We appreciate your understanding.